Back in December, Mike Rice was suspended for three games and fined $50,000 by Rutgers for what the Athletic Department termed a violation of policy.

At that time, reports surfaced that Rice was being punished for his behavior during practices. His use of profanity and abusive language was a problem, but the real red flag was that Rice reportedly was caught on camera throwing basketballs at the heads of his players.

Rice returned from his suspension, but his troubles may not be over: the Newark Star-Ledger is reporting that a copy of the practice video has been leaked to ESPN and that the network will be airing it on Sunday on Outside The Lines.

The Star-Ledger has learned that ESPN’s “Outside the Lines” program plans to air the tape as part of a tentatively-scheduled segment this Sunday.

Three individuals with direct knowledge of the tape and its exact contents — profane and abusive language and throwing basketballs at players’ heads — confirmed the network’s plans to broadcast it this weekend, in between the Final Four and the NCAA’s national championship game.

It will be interesting to see the reaction when the contents of this tape is aired. Bullying and abuse from coaches is not something that is taken lightly. It cost Billy Gillispie his job back in September. Depending on how bad the video is, I wonder if this could end up costing Rice his job as well. Coaching transgressions can be looked over when a team is winning. Mike Rice is 44-51 in three years at Rutgers, and 17-39 in Big East play. He has two years left on his contract, the second of which will but the first season for the Scarlet Knights in the Big Ten.

Is it worth it to keep him around with this kind of news going public?

All of it stems from tapes brought to the attention of Rutgers and now ESPN, by former Scarlet Knights director of player development, Eric Murdock — according to one of the individuals.

Murdock, who’s contract was not renewed after the 2011-12 season, promised to release the tapes of Rice’s treatment of players if the university did not compensate him. When reached in December, Murdock did not provide further details citing that “there are some legal things going on,” in regards to himself and Rutgers. Murdock has reportedly threatened a lawsuit for unlawful termination, but a search of public records showed no such lawsuit has currently been filed.

Come on ,stop allowing these kids to be puss!es. Cursing and throwing balls is common. No coach will intentionally hurt a player, coaches all want the kids to be better. My question would be, what did those kids do to make him react that way?

It wouldn’t be fair to fire him now. Rutgers officials have already seen the tape and suspended and fined him for it. Fire him for his record, fine. But not just because everything you already knew is now all over ESPN. Wouldn’t be a good look for Pernetti and his staff. He’s paid for what he did. Don’t give this blackmailing chump Murdock the time of day. Because that’s exactly what it is. Blackmail. And, as always, ESPN is a willing participant.

This is the problem with America today. Gee, a coach yelled in practice? Really? If he was throwing balls at the heads of players who were not looking, that is one thing. But if they were looking at him, as athlete’s, catching the ball should not be a problem. This is the soccer momification of America. The team record is the reason they were getting yelled and cursed at. Try playing hard loser. Gonna cry? Is daddies little girl upset?